New International VersionThis took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
New Living TranslationThis took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
English Standard VersionThis took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Berean Standard BibleThis took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
Berean Literal BibleAnd this came to pass, that it might be fulfilled that having been spoken by the prophet, saying,
King James BibleAll this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
New King James VersionAll this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
New American Standard BibleNow this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled:
NASB 1995This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
NASB 1977Now this took place that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying,
Legacy Standard BibleAnd this took place in order that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,
Amplified BibleThis happened so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, saying:
Christian Standard BibleThis took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
Holman Christian Standard BibleThis took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
American Standard VersionNow this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Contemporary English VersionSo God's promise came true, just as the prophet had said,
English Revised VersionNow this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThis happened so that what the prophet had said came true:
Good News TranslationThis happened in order to make come true what the prophet had said:
International Standard VersionNow this happened to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet when he said,
NET BibleThis took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:
New Heart English BibleThis took place that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Webster's Bible TranslationAll this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Weymouth New TestamentThis took place in order that the Prophet's prediction might be fulfilled: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAll this took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
World English BibleAll this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all this came to pass, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Berean Literal BibleAnd this came to pass, that it might be fulfilled that having been spoken by the prophet, saying,
Young's Literal Translation And all this came to pass, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the whole of this was, that that spoken by the prophet be completed; saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow all this was done in order to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet, saying,
New American BibleThis happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
New Revised Standard VersionThis took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAll this happened, so that what was said by the prophet, might be fulfilled, who said,
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut this that happened was so that the thing that was spoken by the Prophet would be fulfilled which says: NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAll this was done, that the word might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
Godbey New TestamentAnd all this took place, that the word spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled, saying,
Haweis New TestamentNow this was entirely done, that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled, saying,
Mace New Testamentall this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet,
Weymouth New TestamentThis took place in order that the Prophet's prediction might be fulfilled:
Worrell New TestamentNow this has come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Worsley New TestamentNow all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Triumphal Entry… 3If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4Thistook placetofulfillwhatwas spokenthroughtheprophet:5“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”…
Cross References Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Isaiah 62:11Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.”
John 12:14-15Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: / “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”
Mark 11:7-10Then they led the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, and He sat on it. / Many in the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut from the fields. / The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” ...
Luke 19:35-38Then they led the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks over it, and put Jesus on it. / As He rode along, the people spread their cloaks on the road. / And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: ...
John 12:12-13The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. / They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”
Matthew 1:22-23All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: / “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
John 19:36-37Now these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” / And, as another Scripture says: “They will look on the One they have pierced.”
Matthew 2:15where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Matthew 26:56But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
John 14:29And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.
John 13:18I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’
John 15:25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’
John 19:28After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
Treasury of Scripture All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, this. Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Matthew 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. John 19:36,37 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken… saying. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: heis just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. John 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. Jump to Previous FulfilFulfillFulfilledOrderPredictionProphetProphet'sTrue.WordsJump to Next FulfilFulfillFulfilledOrderPredictionProphetProphet'sTrue.WordsMatthew 21 1.Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey12.drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;17.curses the fig tree;23.puts to silence the priests and elders,28.and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,33.and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them.This took placeThis phrase indicates that the events being described are part of a divine plan. The actions of Jesus are not random but are fulfilling a specific purpose. This reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history. to fulfill
The concept of fulfillment is central to the Gospel of Matthew, which frequently highlights how Jesus' life and actions complete Old Testament prophecies. This underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and affirms Jesus as the promised Messiah. what was spoken
This emphasizes the authority and reliability of the prophetic word. The phrase suggests that the events were not only predicted but also divinely ordained. It highlights the importance of Scripture as a record of God's promises and their realization. through the prophet
The reference to "the prophet" connects Jesus' actions to the prophetic tradition of Israel. This particular prophecy is fromZechariah 9:9, which speaks of a king coming to Jerusalem humbly on a donkey. It underscores Jesus' role as a fulfillment of messianic expectations and His identity as the true King of Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristCentral figure in the New Testament, whose actions and teachings fulfill Old Testament prophecies. 2. Prophet ZechariahAn Old Testament prophet whose writings include prophecies about the coming Messiah, specifically referenced in this passage. 3. JerusalemThe city where Jesus enters triumphantly, fulfilling the prophecy and symbolizing His kingship. 4. DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who play a role in the events leading up to His entry into Jerusalem. 5. The Triumphal EntryThe event where Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating His role as the Messiah. Teaching Points Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' actions were intentional and fulfilled specific Old Testament prophecies, affirming His identity as the Messiah. Divine SovereigntyThe fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God's control over history and His faithfulness to His promises. Humility of ChristJesus' choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a horse, symbolizes His humility and the nature of His kingdom. Recognition of Jesus as KingBelievers are called to recognize and accept Jesus as the prophesied King and Savior. Active Participation in God's PlanJust as the disciples played a role in the fulfillment of prophecy, believers today are invited to participate in God's ongoing work. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 21:4?
2.How does Matthew 21:4 demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
3.What role does prophecy play in affirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah?
4.How can we trust God's promises as seen in Matthew 21:4?
5.How does Matthew 21:4 connect to Zechariah 9:9?
6.How can we apply the fulfillment of prophecy to strengthen our faith today?
7.How does Matthew 21:4 fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
8.Why is prophecy fulfillment important in Matthew 21:4?
9.What historical evidence supports the events in Matthew 21:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 21?
11.How can Matthew 21:4–5 be considered a valid fulfillment of prophecy if the details differ from other Gospel accounts?
12.How does Matthew 21:4–7 reconcile Jesus riding both a donkey and a colt, unlike the single animal mentioned in other Gospels?
13.Mark 11:2–6: How can we verify historically that Jesus accurately predicted the colt’s location and its willing release?
14.If Zechariah 9:9 was fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphal entry, why didn’t the predicted era of peace (v.10) materialize?What Does Matthew 21:4 Mean This took placeThe immediate setting is Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-3). The disciples find the donkey exactly as He said, and the crowd soon hails Him as “Son of David.” • Matthew records the event as real history, not symbolism. • God is orchestrating every detail, just as He did when “when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). • Similar moments of divinely arranged circumstance appear inJohn 19:36-37 where specific actions around the cross “took place” so Scripture “might be fulfilled.”
to fulfillFulfillment is Matthew’s favorite way of tying Jesus’ life to the Old Testament (cf.Matthew 1:22; 2:15; 4:14). • Jesus rides a donkey not for convenience but “to fulfill” prophecy, proving He is the promised Messiah. • He declared, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). •Luke 24:44 shows the same theme: “Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
what was spokenGod’s Word is living, fixed, and trustworthy. •Hebrews 1:1 reminds us, “In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” •2 Peter 1:21 clarifies that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, what the prophet said centuries before still stands, and Jesus acts on that unbroken promise.
through the prophetMatthew citesZechariah 9:9 (and echoesIsaiah 62:11). The prophecy reads: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey’” (Matthew 21:5, quoting Zechariah). • Zechariah foretold a humble King, contrasting Rome’s war-horses. • Jesus’ choice of a colt signals peace and meekness, fulfilling the exact words “through the prophet.” • Other prophets likewise pointed to precise Messianic details—Micah 5:2 pinpointing Bethlehem,Isaiah 53 describing the suffering Servant—showing a consistent prophetic tapestry.
summaryMatthew 21:4 is Matthew’s inspired footnote telling us why the donkey episode matters. Every detail “took place” under God’s hand “to fulfill” an unbreakable promise “spoken through the prophet.” The verse assures readers that Jesus is the long-promised King, Scripture is precise and reliable, and God completes every word He has spoken. (4) Allthis was done.--The Evangelist returns to the formula of Matthew 1:22. Literally, all this has come to pass. The words are his comment on the act. At the time (as we find from John 12:16) the disciples did not understand its significance as connected with the prophecy that follows. The purpose lay in the mind of their Master, not in theirs. It is significant of what St. John records that neither St. Mark nor St. Luke alludes to the prophecy. Verse 4. - All this was done;now ( δὲ) all this hath come to pass. Many manuscripts omit "all," but it is probably genuine, as in other similar passages; e.g., Matthew 1:22; Matthew 26:56. This observation of the evangelist is intended to convey the truth that Christ was acting consciously on the lines of old prophecy, working out the will of God declared beforehand by divinely inspired seers. The disciples acted in blind obedience to Christ's command, not knowing that they were thus fulfilling prophecy, or having any such purpose in mind. The knowledge came afterwards (see John 12:16). That it might be fulfilled ( ἵνα πληρωθῇ). The conjuction in this phrase is certainly used in its final, not in a consecutive or ecbatie sense; it denotes the purpose or design of the action of Christ, not the result. Not only the will of the Father, but the words of Scripture, had delineated the life of Christ, and in obeying that will he purposed to show that he fulfilled the prophecies which spake of him. Thus any who knew the Scriptures, and were open to conviction, might see that it was he alone to whom these ancient oracles pointed, and in him alone were their words accomplished. By ( through, διά) the prophet.Zechariah 9:9, with a hint of Isaiah 62:11, a quotation being often woven from two or more passages (see on Matthew 27:9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek ThisΤοῦτο(Touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.took placeγέγονεν(gegonen)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.fulfillπληρωθῇ(plērōthē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4137:From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.whatτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.was spokenῥηθὲν(rhēthen)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2046:Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.throughδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.prophet:προφήτου(prophētou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396:From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 21:4 All this was done that it might (Matt. Mat Mt) |
